Page 117 of Innocent

Meanwhile, I get online with my tablet and make arrangements of my own. On Wednesday, Elliot will be in the White House all day, and I can catch a flight first thing in the morning from Dulles to Tallahassee, and be back in DC by eight that evening.

I book it, even though I hate spending the money.

By the time Elliot’s done working for the day, I’ve already arranged movers and a pod to be at my apartment on Wednesday, reserved a rental car, ordered moving supplies, and will be completely moved out of my apartment and storage unit before I return to the airport.

I won’t even take my personal cell.

#pettybitch

If Elliot needs me, he can call me on my work phone from his desk or official cell phone.

Iamhis body man, after all.

After changing into sweats and a T-shirt, I bring his robe, walker, and the new leather collar downstairs, where I position everything in the den before I call him in from the dining room.

His gaze immediately falls on the collar in my hand.

I snap my fingers and point at the floor in front of me. Without hesitation, Elliot moves into position and drops to the floor. There, I buckle the collar around his throat and rest my hand on top of his head. A shudder washes through him and he leans in, pressing his forehead against my thigh.

“Good boy,” I whisper. “Strip, take Duck off, use the walker, and come join me in the kitchen.”

I leave the room without a look back. Tonight, I won’t put the cuffs on him downstairs. I don’t expect any more staff to show up this evening, but I can quickly get the collar off him if we’re interrupted. Until I have his anxiety under control, I’ll limit the use of the cuffs to the bedroom.

Five minutes later, I hear him enter the kitchen behind me, where I’m standing at the stove. I snap my fingers and point to the throw rug, which is positioned where I had it last night.

Seconds later, he’s there, leaning in and kissing the tops of my feet.

Didn’t ask him to do that but it’s a nice touch. “Good boy.”

Like last night, we talk while I cook. Midway through, I drop my plans on him. “You have to be in the White House all day Wednesday. I’m going to take an early flight to Tallahassee, handle emptying my apartment, storage unit, and moving, and then I’ll fly home late Wednesday night. Unless something extraordinary happens, I want you to wait at the White House until I come get you. I’ll take care of ordering your lunch and dinner, and you will eat them there.”

I glance down to find him wide-eyed. “But, Sir, I told you I’d pay your moving costs.”

I shake my head. “Nope. Can’t let you risk that. Comes under the heading of gifts, and you don’t need to get mired at a debate trying to explain something like that. When Kev returns, I’ll find out from him what I need to do to set up a written agreement like they have with him, so we’re in the clear.” I offer him a smile. “I’ll take it out of your hide in trade.”

Except that’s still fear I read in his eyes. “You…you’re coming back though, Sir?”

I nudge his leg with my toes, gently scratching him. “Told you that you’re not getting rid of me now. I won’t have time or anonymity to do it after you declare, and I don’t want to keep paying rent on a place I’m not living in. You can call me on my work phone while I’m gone. I’m not disappearing. If I finish earlier than I planned, I’ll change my flight if I can and return early.”

“Yes, Sir.”

I hate that he looks afraid. “I’m not even taking luggage, just my laptop and carryon.”

He nods, his gaze dropping to the floor.

“Hey.”

He looks up.

I force a little steel into my tone. “Do you think I’d collar you to me and then walk away from you?”

He takes a deep breath. “No, Sir. Sorry, Sir.”

I bend over and kiss him, hooking my finger through the D-ring in the front of his leather collar. “Besides, wait until you see the surprise I have waiting for you upstairs, baby.”

His nostrils flare. “Surprise?”

I smile. “Oooh, yes.”